Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Hockomock Area YMCA Celebrates April As National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of April as Child Sexual Abuse Prevention month, The Hockomock Area YMCA will be joining other Ys across Massachusetts and the nation in promoting “Five Days of Action” Initiative from April 4-8, 2016. This month and throughout the year, the Hockomock Area YMCA encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our local communities a better place for children and families. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly.

Hockomock YMCA

1 in 10 children experiences the trauma of child sexual abuse before age 18, typically at the hands of someone they know and trust. As adults, we are responsible for protecting children and educating ourselves to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The Hockomock Area YMCA partners with Darkness to Light to provide child abuse prevention training to adults that strengthens our community and keeps our kids safe. This training, called Stewards of Children®, is based on The 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children™. The 5 steps are: Learn the Facts, Minimize Opportunity, Talk About It, Recognize the Signs, and React Responsibly. “Protecting children is of the utmost importance and April reminds us that child sexual abuse is a threat to children in all communities,” said Tony Calcia, Vice President of Child Protection and Social Responsibility at the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Adults should learn the facts about child sexual abuse and be prepared to intervene to protect the children in their lives.” During the week of April 4th as well as throughout the month of April, the Hockomock Area YMCA will share information and resources with our members and the community on how to keep our children safe. Information will be shared through a variety of methods such as email blasts, social media, and within our facilities. Please consider supporting the movement of child sexual abuse prevention by sharing the information with family and friends and participating in our calls to action. The Hockomock Area YMCA is working in partnership with New Hope, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Norfolk Advocates for Children, Darkness to Light, and Praesidum to make a positive difference in the lives of children. On Friday, April 8th, along with Hockomock Area YMCA staff, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County and the Norfolk Advocates for Children will be visiting the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro branches to answer any questions individuals may have and share their resources. For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April, and throughout the year, contact Tony Calcia at TonyC@hockymca.org.About the Hockomock Area YMCA:Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org